Prosecutors are facing scrutiny over how Paddy Jackson came to be charged with rape, Belfast Live has learned.

It is understood they have been asked if at any stage a No Charge recommendation was made or expected to be made in 2016.

Now extensive paperwork, emails and internal correspondence from inside the Public Prosecution Service may be sought after concerns were raised that the decision to charge the rugby player and his three friends may not have been clear cut.

Jackson, 26, and 25-year-old Stuart Olding were acquitted last week of the charges against them at Belfast Crown Court by a jury who took three hours and 45 minutes to reach a unanimous decision after an eight-week trial.

The PSNI could also be drawn into the query and it is believed a request may be made for police case notes and all early thoughts and recommendations about the matter. A source said: “Rape is one of the most serious criminal complaints police handle and they took the claims very seriously from the get-go.

“They interviewed the complainant. They interviewed the four men several times. They interviewed witnesses.

“They examined a lot of details on all sides and in the end they recommended no charge. There was a feeling they didn’t have what’s needed for a rape case to stand up. The case went to trial. The result was unanimous. The men were found not guilty.”

The complainant, now aged 21, gave evidence over eight days in the witness box and was examined by Prosecutor Toby Hedworth QC and cross-examined by four of the UK’s top barristers. Ten PSNI officers from the Rape Crime Unit gave evidence in the 42-day trial where Jackson stood accused of rape and sexual assault. Olding was acused of rape.

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And an online campaign demanding the IRFU reviews the details of the trial has been signed by almost 65,000 people who claim the trial highlighted worrying and inappropriate conduct and attitudes.

A source told Belfast Live: “Without doubt Paddy Jackson is more determined than ever to get his green jersey back on. He is fit and ready. There’ll be no backing down. He was acquitted unanimously.

“The people who are calling for him and Stuart to be barred or sacked from their profession are not in possession of all the facts and by jumping on the bandwagon they’re just making matters worse.

“We have to give the IRFU a chance in anticipation it’ll make the right decision. If not Paddy will go straight to the Sporting Board of Arbitration Appeal Court.”

Ulster rugby star Craig Gilroy issued an “unreserved apology” over a WhatsApp message to Olding and described it as “totally inappropriate”.

A PPS spokesperson said: “The evidence received in this case was subjected to a very thorough and careful examination by a team of experienced lawyers, including Senior Counsel, before it was concluded that the Test for Prosecution was met, in line with our Code for Prosecutors.

“This meant that there was both sufficient evidence to provide a reasonable prospect of conviction and it was in the public interest to prosecute.

“Any claims that an initial decision was made not to prosecute or that advices were received that the Test for Prosecution was not met, are wholly inaccurate. There was only ever one decision taken in relation to these defendants – and that was a decision to prosecute.

“This case was properly brought before the Courts and overcame a number of legal challenges. It was ultimately right that the matter was placed before a jury to make their determination.”